U.S. patent number 8,157,650 [Application Number 11/855,009] was granted by the patent office on 2012-04-17 for systems and methods for casino gaming haptics.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Immersion Corporation. Invention is credited to Gregory M. G. Belaus, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Henrique Da Costa, Danny A. Grant, Neil T. Olien.
United States Patent |
8,157,650 |
Grant , et al. |
April 17, 2012 |
Systems and methods for casino gaming haptics
Abstract
Systems, methods, and products for self-contained casino gaming
haptics are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system for casino
gaming haptics includes a touch-sensitive input device configured
to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to the
touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a
haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor
in communication with the touch-sensitive input device and the
actuator, the processor configured to: generate a display signal
configured to cause an image associated with a casino game to be
displayed; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive input
device associated with the contact; determine an interaction
between the contact and the image; and generate an actuator signal
associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to
cause the actuator to generate a haptic effect.
Inventors: |
Grant; Danny A. (Laval,
CA), Belaus; Gregory M. G. (Santa Clara, CA),
Olien; Neil T. (Montreal, CA), Da Costa; Henrique
(Montreal, CA), Cruz-Hernandez; Juan Manuel
(Montreal, CA) |
Assignee: |
Immersion Corporation (San
Jose, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
39184371 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/855,009 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080064499 A1 |
Mar 13, 2008 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60844316 |
Sep 13, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/36; 463/20;
463/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F
17/3244 (20130101); G07F 17/3209 (20130101); G06F
3/016 (20130101); G06F 3/04883 (20130101); G06F
3/041 (20130101); G07F 17/3211 (20130101); G06F
2203/013 (20130101); G06F 2203/014 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
9/24 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;463/36,20,31 |
References Cited
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WO 03/000319 |
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Jan 2003 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Elisca; Pierre E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/844,316 entitled "Casino Gaming Haptics," filed
Sep. 13, 2006, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A system, comprising: a touch-sensitive input device configured
to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to the
touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a
haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor
in communication with the touch-sensitive input device and the
actuator, the processor configured to execute a casino game
application, the casino game application configured to: generate a
display signal configured to cause an image associated with a card
game to be displayed, the image comprising a plurality of playing
cards and a discard area; receive an input signal from the
touch-sensitive input device associated with the contact; determine
a first interaction between the contact and the image; determine a
selection of a first playing card of the plurality of playing cards
based on the first interaction; generate a first actuator signal
associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to
cause the actuator to generate a first haptic effect; transmit the
first actuator signal to the actuator; determine a gesture
associated with the selection, wherein the gesture comprises a
drag; in response to the first playing card being dragged, generate
a second actuator signal based on the gesture, the second actuator
signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic
effect; and transmit the second actuator signal to the
actuator.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display configured
to receive the display signal and display the image associated with
the card game.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive input device
comprises a touch screen.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is in communication
with a remote device.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the processor is further
configured to receive the card game from the remote device.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the processor is further
configured to transmit information to the remote device.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the information comprises
information associated with an action or a state of the card
game.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is also in
communication with a housing.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
configured to: determine the first playing card has been discarded;
generate a third actuator signal, the third actuator signal
configured to cause the actuator to output a third haptic effect;
and transmit the third actuator signal to the actuator.
10. A method comprising: displaying an image associated with a card
game, the image comprising a plurality of playing cards and a
discard area; sensing a contact with a touch-sensitive input
device, the contact associated with the image; receiving an input
signal from the touch-sensitive input device, the input signal
associated with the contact; determining a first interaction
between the contact and the image, determining a selection of a
first playing card of the plurality of playing cards based on the
first interaction; generate a first actuator signal associated with
the interaction, the actuator signal configured to cause the
actuator to generate a first haptic effect; transmitting the first
actuator signal to the actuator; determining a gesture associated
with the selection, wherein the gesture comprises a drag; in
response to the first playing card being dragged, generating a
second actuator signal based on the gesture, the second actuator
signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic
effect; and transmitting the second actuator signal to the
actuator.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the haptic effect is associated
with changing a bet amount.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the haptic effect is associated
with winning a game.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the haptic effect is associated
with losing a game.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining that
the first playing card has been dragged to the discard area; in
response to the first playing card reaching the discard area,
generating a third actuator signal based on the gesture; and
transmitting the third actuator signal to the actuator.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first haptic effect
comprises a pop and the second haptic effect comprises a low
frequency vibration.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pop is output as a user
selects a card.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the second haptic effect
comprises a vibration.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the frequency of the vibration
is associated with a speed of the drag gesture.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the magnitude of the vibration
is associated with a speed of the drag gesture.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first haptic effect
comprises a pop.
21. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining the
first playing card has been discarded; generating a third actuator
signal, the third actuator signal configured to cause the actuator
to output a third haptic effect; and transmitting the third
actuator signal to the actuator.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the third haptic effect
comprises a high magnitude, high frequency effect.
23. The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving the card
game from a remote device.
24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is encoded
program code, when executed by a processor is configured to perform
the method comprising: displaying an image associated with a card
game, the image comprising a plurality of playing cards and a
discard area; sensing a contact with a touch-sensitive input
device, the contact associated with the image; receiving an input
signal from the touch-sensitive input device, the input signal
associated with the contact; determining a first interaction
between the contact and the image, determining a selection of a
first playing card of the plurality of playing cards based on the
first interaction; generate a first actuator signal associated with
the interaction, the actuator signal configured to cause the
actuator to generate a first haptic effect; transmitting the first
actuator signal to the actuator; determining a gesture associated
with the selection, wherein the gesture comprises a drag; in
response to the first playing card being dragged, generating a
second actuator signal based on the gesture, the second actuator
signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic
effect; and transmitting the second actuator signal to the
actuator.
25. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the
processor-executed method further comprises: determining the first
playing card has been discarded, generating a third actuator
signal, the third actuator signal configured to cause the actuator
to output a third haptic effect; and transmitting the third
actuator signal to the actuator.
26. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein the
processor-executed method further comprises receiving the card game
from a remote device.
27. A device, comprising: a housing; a touch-sensitive input
device; an actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the
touch-sensitive input device or the housing; and a processor in
communication with the touch-sensitive input device and the
actuator, the processor configured to: generate a display signal
configured to cause an image associated with a slot machine game to
be displayed, the image comprising a plurality of virtual slot
wheels and a lever; receive an input signal from the
touch-sensitive input device associated with a contact, determine a
first interaction between the contact and the image, determine a
selection of the lever based on the first interaction; generate a
first actuator signal associated with the interaction, the actuator
signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a first haptic
effect, transmit the actuator signal to the actuator; determine a
gesture associated with the selection, wherein the gesture
comprises a drag; in response to the lever being dragged, generate
a second actuator signal based on the gesture, the second actuator
signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second haptic
effect; and transmit the second actuator signal to the
actuator.
28. The device of claim 27, wherein the processor receives the
casino game application over a network from a server.
29. The device of claim 27, wherein the touch-sensitive input
device comprises a touch-screen.
30. The system of claim 27, wherein the processor is further
configured to: request a casino game application from a server; and
receive the casino game application.
31. A method, comprising: executing a casino game application,
wherein the casino game application is configured to: display an
image associated with the card game, the image comprising a
plurality of virtual slot wheels and a lever; sense a contact with
a touch-sensitive input device, the contact associated with the
image; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive input
device, the input signal associated with the contact; determine a
first interaction between the contact and the image, determine a
selection of the lever based on the first interaction; generate a
first actuator signal associated with the interaction, the actuator
signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a first haptic
effect; transmit the first actuator signal to the actuator;
determine a gesture associated with the selection, wherein the
gesture comprises a drag; in response to the lever being dragged,
generate a second actuator signal based on the gesture, the second
actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a second
haptic effect; and transmit the second actuator signal to the
actuator.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein receiving the casino game
application further comprises receiving haptic information
associated with the casino game application.
33. The method of claim 31, further comprising: requesting a casino
game application from a server; and receiving the casino game
application.
34. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is encoded
program code, when executed by a processor is configured to perform
the method comprising: displaying an image associated with a slot
machine game, the image comprising a plurality of virtual slot
wheels and a lever; sensing a contact with a touch-sensitive input
device, the contact associated with the image; receiving an input
signal from the touch-sensitive input device, the input signal
associated with the contact; determining a first interaction
between the contact and the image, determining a manipulation of
the lever based on the first interaction; generating a first
actuator signal associated with the interaction, the actuator
signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a first haptic
effect; transmitting the first actuator signal to the actuator;
determining a gesture associated with the selection, wherein the
gesture comprises a drag; in response to the lever being dragged,
generating a second actuator signal based on the gesture, the
second actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to output a
second haptic effect; and transmitting the second actuator signal
to the actuator.
35. The computer-readable medium of claim 34, wherein the
processor-executed method further comprises: requesting a casino
game application from a server; and receiving the casino game
application.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to haptic gaming devices.
The present invention more specifically relates to systems and
methods for casino gaming haptics.
BACKGROUND
Guests at a casino are typically able to play electronic casino
games, such as video poker games. The electronic game presents a
user with an image showing a poker hand, for example. The user is
able to bet chips, select cards to discard, and to draw additional
cards. The game then awards credits to the user based on the
strength of the user's hand. Other games of chance may be played on
similar machines, such as other card games, dice games, slot
machines, roulette, or other virtual gaming implements. For
example, a video slot machine may allow a user to select a number
of rows to bet, a number of credits to wager, and pull a virtual
lever to start the random selection of icons to be displayed in
three windows. When the wheels have come to a rest, the user may be
awarded credits based upon the combination of icons presented in
the windows.
While conventional casino gaming machines may provide feedback to a
user in the form of visual displays on a screen, or with sounds,
conventional casino gaming machines do not provide haptic feedback
to a user. Such feedback may provide a more immersive or enjoyable
gaming experience, and may encourage the user to play a
haptically-enabled game machine instead of a conventional game
machine.
SUMMARY
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods
for casino gaming haptics. For example, in one embodiment, a system
for casino gaming haptics comprises a touch-sensitive input device
configured to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to
the touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output
a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a
processor in communication with the touch-sensitive input device
and the actuator, the processor configured to: generate a display
signal configured to cause an image associated with a casino game
to be displayed; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive
input device associated with the contact; determine an interaction
between the contact and the image; and generate an actuator signal
associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to
cause the actuator to generate a haptic effect. In another
embodiment, a computer-readable media comprises code for a carrying
out such a method.
These illustrative embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define
the invention, but to provide examples to aid understanding
thereof. Illustrative embodiments are discussed in the Detailed
Description, and further description of the invention is provided
there. Advantages offered by various embodiments of this invention
may be further understood by examining this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention are better understood when the following Detailed
Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a simulated screenshot of images associated with a casino
game application executed by a system for casino gaming haptics
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing casino
gaming haptics according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing casino
gaming haptics according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 shows a system 700 for self-contained casino-gaming haptics
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 8-10 are simulated screenshots of images associated with a
casino gaming application executed by a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention;
and
FIGS. 11-14 show games according to various embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods
for casino gaming haptics. Methods, systems and products according
to the present invention may be embodied in a number of ways.
Illustrative Casino Gaming Haptics
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. In
the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a system 100 for
casino gaming haptics comprises a computer 101, a touch screen 102,
and an actuator 103 in communication with the computer 101 and the
touch screen 102. Computer 101 also comprises a computer-readable
medium, such as a memory 111. Computer 101 comprises a processor
110 configured to load an application 120 from storage 112 into
memory 111. In this illustrative embodiment, application 120 is a
casino gaming application configured to allow a user to play
five-card draw poker.
FIG. 2 is a simulated screenshot of images associated with a casino
game application executed by a system for casino gaming haptics
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described in relation to the
system shown in FIG. 1. The touch screen 102 displays the five-card
draw poker game 201 as shown in FIG. 2. The game 201 shows the five
cards 210a-e dealt to the player, the current bet 220, the number
of chips 221 the player has, buttons 230, 231 to allow the user to
increase or decrease the wager, a button 232 to place the maximum
wager 222, and a button 233 to draw cards to replace any the player
wishes to discard. A user may select one or more cards 210a-e to
keep or to discard, or interact with one or more of the buttons
230-233 to play the game 201. For example, the player may choose to
discard the seven of hearts 210a and nine of diamonds 210c by
touching the cards on the touch screen 102. The user may then
increase his bet by pressing the "Increase Bet" button 230, and
draw two new cards by pressing button 233.
In the embodiment shown, as the player interacts with the touch
screen 102, such as to select cards 230a-e to discard, change the
bet 230-232, or to choose to draw new cards 233, the system 100
provides haptic feedback to the player. The actuator 103 is in
communication with the touch screen 102 and may be commanded by the
computer 101 to output haptic effects to the touch screen 102. For
example, when the player touches a card 230a to be discarded, the
actuator 103 may generate a haptic effect, such as a short duration
high frequency vibration (which may be referred to as a "pop"), to
indicate that the card 230a has been selected. Pops and other
well-known haptic effects will not be described in detail as they
are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The actuator 103 may
also output haptic effects corresponding to other actions, such as
betting changes, or when the player chooses to draw cards.
Additionally, the system 100 may output haptic effects in response
to events that occur in the game. For example, the system may
output a haptic effect when new cards are dealt, or if the player
has the winning hand.
This illustrative example is given to introduce the reader to the
general subject matter discussed herein. The invention is not
limited to this example. Further details regarding various
embodiments of systems and methods for casino gaming haptics are
described below.
System for Casino Gaming Haptics
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system 300 for casino
gaming haptics according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, system 300 comprises
a computer 310 or other processor-based device, a touch-sensitive
input device 320 in communication with the computer 310 and an
actuator 330, and a display 340 in communication with the computer
310.
Computer 310 comprises a processor (not shown), memory 311, or
other computer-readable medium, and is configured to load
application 312 from storage, such as from a hard drive or other
computer-readable medium, and execute application 312. Computer 310
is in communication with an input device 320, an actuator 330, and
a display 340, and is configured to generate a display signal
configured to cause an image associated with a casino game to be
displayed, and to transmit the display signal to display device
340. The computer 310 is further configured to receive an input
signal from the touch-sensitive input device 320, such as from a
user making contact with the touch-sensitive input device, and to
determine an interaction between the contact and the image.
For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a casino
game, such as can be seen in FIG. 2, may be displayed by display
340. A user may touch a touch-sensitive input device, such as a
touch screen 320, at a location to indicate that a card should be
selected. The computer 310 receives an input signal from the
touch-screen 320. The input signal indicates that the user has
touched the touch screen 320. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the input signal comprises a coordinate describing the
location of the contact. The computer 310 then determines an
interaction between the contact and the image. For example, in one
embodiment of the present invention, the computer 310 determines
whether the location of the contact falls within the boundaries of
an object displayed on the screen, such as a playing card.
Computer 310 is further configured to generate an actuator signal
associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to
cause the actuator 330 to generate a haptic effect. For example, in
one embodiment of the present invention, a user may contact the
touch screen 320 at a location corresponding to a playing card. The
computer 310 determines there is an interaction between the contact
and the image of the playing card. The computer 310 then generates
a haptic effect, such as a vibration, and encodes the haptic effect
within an actuator signal. The computer 310 then transmits the
actuator signal. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the computer 310 transmits the actuator signal to the
input device 320. In such an embodiment, the input device 320 may
then send a signal to the actuator 330 to generate the haptic
effect. In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer
310 transmits the actuator signal directly to the actuator 330.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, input device 320 comprises a
touch-sensitive input device configured to sense a contact from a
user. For example, in one embodiment, input device 320 comprises a
touch screen. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the touch screen
comprises the display 340 and the touch-sensitive input device 320
which is overlaid on the display 340. In other embodiments of the
present invention, the touch-sensitive input device 320 may not be
overlaid on the display 340. In one embodiment of the present
invention, input device 320 comprises a non-touch-sensitive input
device, such as a keyboard or keypad. Other embodiments of the
present invention may comprise other non-touch-sensitive input
devices such as buttons, knobs, dials, switches, levers,
trackballs, or other suitable manipulanda. For example, an
embodiment of the present invention for playing a slot machine may
comprise a lever.
The actuator 330 shown in FIG. 3 is in communication with the input
device 320 and computer 310. In one embodiment, the actuator 330
may be in communication with a housing a device and may be
configured to output haptic effects to the housing as well as the
input device. Any suitable actuator may be used in embodiments of
the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention
may comprise a plurality of actuators. In various embodiments of
the present invention, actuators can comprise either active or
passive actuators.
Active actuators include, for example, linear current control
motors, stepper motors, pneumatic/hydraulic active actuators,
piezoelectric actuators, eccentric rotating masses, and other types
of actuators that transmit a force to move an object or to provide
a vibrotactile effect. For example, active actuators can drive a
rotational shaft about an axis in a rotary degree of freedom, or
drive a linear shaft along a linear degree of freedom. Active
transducers of embodiments of the present invention may be
bi-directional, meaning they can selectively transmit force along
either direction of a degree of freedom. For example, DC servo
motors can receive force control signals to control the direction
and torque (force output) that is produced on a shaft. The motors
may also include one or more brakes which allow the rotation of the
shaft to be halted in a short span of time. Other types of active
motors can also be used, such as a stepper motor controlled with
pulse width modulation of an applied voltage, pneumatic/hydraulic
actuators, a torquer (motor with limited angular range), a voice
coil actuator, or other active actuators known to those skilled in
the art. Alternatively, or in addition, other active actuators such
as piezo-electric, shape memory alloy, or electro-active polymers
may be used as well.
Passive actuators can also be used for actuator 330. Magnetic
particle brakes, friction brakes, or pneumatic/hydraulic passive
actuators can be used in addition to or instead of an active
actuator to generate a damping resistance, a vibrotactile effect,
or friction in a degree of motion.
In some embodiments of the present invention, an input device 320
may integrally incorporate an actuator within the input device 320.
Such an input device 320 may comprise one or more actuators
configured to output haptic effects. Such input devices are
referred to herein as "haptically-enabled." In some embodiments of
the present invention, an input device 320 may not comprise an
actuator. In such an embodiment, haptic effects maybe output to the
input device 320 indirectly, such as by an actuator in
communication with a housing of the input device.
Display 340 comprises a device capable of receiving a display
signal from a computer or processor-based device and displaying an
image to a user. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention, display 340 comprises a liquid-crystal display (LCD). In
one embodiment of the present invention, display comprises 340 a
cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor or an organic light-emitting diode
(OLED) display. In some embodiments of the present invention,
display 340 may comprise a plurality of displays. For example, in
one embodiment of the present invention, a system for casino gaming
haptics comprises a slot machine. In such an embodiment, display
340 may comprise three displays, where each display simulates one
of the three wheels of a conventional slot machine.
FIG. 4 shows a method 400 for providing casino gaming haptics
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
description of the method 400 will be made with reference to the
system 300 shown in FIG. 3.
In block 410, a system 300 displays an image associated with a
casino game. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention, system 300 displays an image associated with a casino
game on display 340. In another embodiment of the present
invention, a system for casino gaming haptics transmits a signal to
a remote device to cause the device to display an image associated
with casino game. For example, a server may transmit a signal to a
remote computer to cause the remote computer to display an image
associated with a casino game.
In block 420, a touch-sensitive input device 320 senses a contact
with the touch-sensitive input device 320, the contact associated
with the image or a portion of the image. For example, in one
embodiment of the present invention, a user contacts a touchscreen
at a location associated with a displayed playing card, and the
touchscreen senses the contact.
In block 430, a computer 310 receives an input signal from the
touch-sensitive input device 320, the input signal associated with
the contact. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention, after the touch-sensitive input device 320 senses a
location of a contact, the touch-sensitive input device 320
transmits a signal to the computer 310, which receives the input
signal from the touch-sensitive device 320, the input signal
associated with the contact.
In block 440, the system 300 determines an interaction between the
contact and the image. For example, in one embodiment of the
present invention, the computer 310, compares the location of the
contact with the location of an image of the playing card displayed
on the display 340. If the location of the contact overlaps with
the location of the image, or contacts or is within a boundary of
the image, the system 300 determines that the contact interacted
with the image. A user may contact a location of an image in
different ways. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the system 300 may determine that a user has touched the
image. In one embodiment of the present invention the system 300
may determine that the user has slid a finger across the image,
tapped the image, or has flipped the image over.
In block 450, the system 300 outputs a haptic effect based at least
in part on the interaction. For example, in one embodiment of the
present invention, the computer 310 transmits an actuator signal to
the actuator 330, the actuator signal configured to cause the
actuator to output a haptic effect. In another embodiment of the
present invention, the computer 310 transmits an actuator signal to
the input device 320. The input device 320 then causes the actuator
to output a haptic effect.
Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a
system for casino gaming haptics according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The networked system 500 comprises a plurality
of client systems 510, a network 520, and at least one server 530.
Client systems are in communication with the network and server. In
addition, clients 510 may be in communication with each other.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, server 530 comprises a computer
or other processor-based device. The server 530 further comprises a
computer-readable medium, such as a hard drive, on which is stored
one or more casino game applications. Server 530 is configured to
communicate with one or more client systems 510 over network
520.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, client systems 510 each comprise
a system, such as system 300 shown in FIG. 3. However, in other
embodiments of the present invention, client systems 510a-c may
comprise other computer systems. For example, in one embodiment of
the present invention client system 510a comprises a thin client
device. A thin client device comprises an input device, such as a
touchscreen, a processor, a network interface, and a
computer-readable medium. For example, in one embodiment, thin
client device may comprise an integral unit having a housing, a
touchscreen, a processor, a computer-readable memory, and an
interface for communication with the network 520. The input device
is in communication with an actuator configured to output haptic
effects to the input device. While a thin client device comprises a
computer-readable medium, it may or may not have a non-volatile
computer-readable medium, such as a hard drive. Such a thin client
device may be configured to communicate with the server 530 to
download a casino gaming application stored on the server 530 into
the thin client's computer-readable medium, such as RAM. In
addition, the thin client device may be able to download haptic
effect information. For example, the thin client may download an
application to allow a user to play craps. The thin client may also
download haptic information that includes data for generating
haptic effects, such as for shaking and rolling dice.
Once the application and the haptic information have been
downloaded, the thin client device may allow a user to play one or
more haptic casino games. Such an embodiment may allow a casino or
other establishment to install a plurality of relatively
inexpensive thin client devices on its premises, and use a fewer
number of servers 530, which are typically more expensive.
Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a network 520.
Any suitable network may be employed that will allow data transfer
between a client 510 and a server 530. Some embodiments of the
present invention may allow two clients 510 to communicate, such as
to play an interactive casino game with users at other clients 510,
like poker. A suitable network may comprise any suitable
communications link, including a circuit; Ethernet; a token ring
network; a wireless communications link including but not limited
to 802.11 wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth; a system bus; USB; or
FireWire.
Referring now to FIG. 6, which shows a method 600 for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
description of the method 600 will be made with reference to the
system 500 shown in FIG. 5.
In block 610, a client 510 requests a casino game from a server
530. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a
client 510 may comprise a thin client. The client 510 may transmit
a request over a network 520 to the server 530, where the request
specifies a game a user has selected to play. In another
embodiment, the client 510 may transmit a request over a network
520 to the server 530, where the request is sent after the client
510 powers up, and specifies one or more games the client 510 is
authorized to play.
In response to the request sent in block 610, the server 530
determines if the requested application or applications are
available. The server may also require authentication from the
client device, such as an access code, a password, or other
identification or authentication device in order to prevent
unauthorized access to the server or the applications. If the
requested applications are available, the server 530 transmits the
requested applications to the client 510.
In addition to transmitting a request for a casino game
application, the client 510 may transmit a request for haptic
information. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the client 510 may request haptic information associated
with the casino game application.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of clients
510 may be in communication and allow multiple users to participate
in the same game, such as in a multiplayer poker game. In such an
embodiment, server 502 may receive signals or messages from one or
more clients 510, and may transmit signals or messages to one or
more clients 510 indicating actions of the plurality of users or
one or more haptic effects based on the actions of the plurality of
users.
In block 620, the client 510 receives a casino game application
from the server 530. After the client 510 has received the casino
game application (or the "application"), the client 510 may execute
the application. In one embodiment, the client 510 may receive a
plurality of casino game applications. In such an embodiment, the
client 510 may execute one of the applications, or it may allow a
user to select one of the applications to execute.
In block 630, the client 510 displays an image associated with the
casino game application. For example, in one embodiment of the
present invention, a casino game application may comprise a poker
game. In such an embodiment, the casino game application may
display a plurality of images, such as may be seen in FIG. 2.
In block 640, a touch-sensitive input device senses a contact
client, the contact associated with the image. For example, in one
embodiment of the present invention, a user contacts a touchscreen
at a location associated with a displayed playing card, and the
touchscreen senses the contact.
In block 650, the client 510 receives an input signal from the
touch-sensitive input device, the input signal associated with the
contact. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention,
after the touch-sensitive input device senses a contact, the
touch-sensitive input device transmits a signal to the client 510,
which receives the input signal from the touch-sensitive device,
the input signal associated with the contact.
In block 660, the client 510 determines an interaction between the
contact and the image. For example, in one embodiment of the
present invention, the client 510, compares a location of the
contact with the location of an image of a playing card displayed
on the client's display. If the location of the contact falls
within the boundary of the image, the client determines that the
contact interacted with the image.
In block 670, the client 510 outputs a haptic effect based at least
in past on the interaction. For example, in one embodiment of the
present invention, the client 510 transmits an actuator signal to
an actuator, the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator
to output a haptic effect. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the client 510 transmits an actuator signal to the
touch-sensitive input device. The touch-sensitive input device then
causes the actuator to output a haptic effect. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the client 510 may transmit
the actuator signal directly to an actuator.
FIG. 7 shows a system 700 for self-contained casino-gaming haptics
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system
700 comprises a self-contained casino gaming system. The system
comprises a housing 710 and a touch screen 720. The system 700 also
comprises a processor (not shown, an actuator (not shown) in
communication with the touch screen, and a memory (not shown). The
system 700 is configured to execute an application which comprises
a casino game, such as, without limitation, poker. The processor
generates a display signal associated with the casino game and
transmits it to the touch screen 720. The touch screen 720 displays
the game to the user, and accepts inputs from the user via user
contact with the touch screen 720. The touch screen 720 transmits
an input signal to the processor, which determines an interaction
between the contact and an image displayed on the touch screen 720.
The processor generates and transmits an actuator signal associated
with the interaction. The actuator receives the actuator signal and
outputs a haptic effect to the touch screen.
Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 7, embodiments of the present
invention can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in
computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them.
In one embodiment, a computer may comprise a processor or
processors. The processor comprises a computer-readable medium,
such as a random access memory (RAM) coupled to the processor. The
processor executes computer-executable program instructions stored
in memory, such as executing one or more computer programs for
editing an image. Such processors may comprise a microprocessor, a
digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and state
machines. Such processors may further comprise programmable
electronic devices such as PLCs, programmable interrupt controllers
(PICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable read-only
memories (PROMs), electronically programmable read-only memories
(EPROMs or EEPROMs), or other similar devices.
Such processors may comprise, or may be in communication with,
media, for example computer-readable media, that may store
instructions that, when executed by the processor, can cause the
processor to perform the steps described herein as carried out, or
assisted, by a processor. Embodiments of computer-readable media
may comprise, but are not limited to, an electronic, optical,
magnetic, or other storage or transmission device capable of
providing a processor, such as the processor in a web server, with
computer-readable instructions. Other examples of media comprise,
but are not limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, magnetic disk,
memory chip, ROM, RAM, ASIC, configured processor, all optical
media, all magnetic tape or other magnetic media, or any other
medium from which a computer processor can read. Also, various
other devices may include, such as a router, private or public
network, or other transmission device. The processor, and the
processing, described may be in one or more structures, and may be
dispersed through one or more structures. The processor may
comprise code for carrying out one or more of the methods (or parts
of methods) described herein.
Games and Haptic Effects
Systems for casino gaming haptics according to embodiments of the
present invention may be configured to provide one or more games
for a user to play. For example, systems for casino gaming haptics
may be configured to provide card games, dice games, roulette,
checkers, Othello.TM.-type games, picture match games, word games,
trivia games, or other games conventionally available in casino
gaming machines, or similar machines that may be commonly found in
bars or other establishments.
A system for casino gaming haptics according to one embodiment of
the present invention may be configured to provide haptic effects
for events or options that may occur within a game. For example, in
a system for casino gaming haptics according to one embodiment of
the present invention that provides a roulette game, the system may
be capable of generating haptic effects associated with events or
actions that may occur in a conventional roulette game or
electronic roulette game, such as spinning the roulette wheel, a
roulette ball moving or bouncing within the roulette wheel, betting
chips, pressing interface buttons, or moving chips across a felt
surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, a casino
gaming system may be configured to provide haptic effects for other
games, such as placing bets on a virtual craps table, arranging
cards on a Pai-Gow poker game, game selection for multi-game
devices, selecting position and color for checkers and
Othello.TM.-type casino games, or choosing objects in bonus games,
or playing other types of casino games, such as baccarat, craps,
war, keno, blackjack, or slots.
Additionally, a system for casino gaming haptics according to the
present invention may be capable of generating haptic effects
associated with actions and events common to a plurality of games.
For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a system
for casino gaming haptics may be capable of generating haptic
effects corresponding to pressing a button, winning a game, losing
a game, receiving chips, beginning a game, quitting a game, or
other events common to two or more games.
Embodiments of the present invention provide haptic effects for
actions a user may take during a game. For example, embodiments of
the invention may allow a user to roll dice, deal or move playing
cards, spin a roulette wheel, play a slot machine, or otherwise
interact with objects associated with casino games. Such haptic
effects may be employed to provide a more realistic experience for
the user.
Haptic Effects Associated with Virtual Cards
Many casino games involve playing cards, including poker and
blackjack. Card games may include actions such as dealing one or
more cards to each player, selecting one or more cards within the
player's hand, and discarding cards. Various haptic effects may be
employed to provide feedback to a player interacting with a playing
card. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, if a
player touches a touch screen and drags his finger towards a card,
the system may generate a short, low magnitude, high frequency
haptic effect when the user's finger passes over the edge of a
playing card. The system may also play a continuous low magnitude,
high frequency haptic effect as long as the player's finger is
located over the playing card.
In addition to touching a card, a user may slide a playing card,
such as to re-arrange the cards in the user's hand, or to discard
the card. While the user is sliding the card, the system may
provide a higher magnitude vibration to the user, to indicate that
the card is being moved. Once the card has reached a potential
destination, which may be denoted by an outline on the screen, the
system may generate a high magnitude, high frequency effect to
indicate to the user that the card may be released.
For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a user may
touch the nine of diamonds 210c, and feel a light pop (e.g. a low
magnitude, high frequency, short duration effect) to indicate that
the card has been contacted. The user may then drag the card 210c
to the edge of the screen 201 to discard the card. While the user
is dragging the card, the system 100 may output a low magnitude,
low frequency vibration to provide the tactile sensation of a card
sliding across a felt surface. When the card reaches the edge of
the screen, the system 100 may generate a strong pop (e.g. a high
magnitude, high frequency, short duration) effect to indicate the
card has been discarded. The user may then drag another card to be
discarded, or select the draw cards button 233 to receive a card to
replace the discarded card 210c.
Shaking Virtual Dice
FIG. 8 shows a simulated screenshot of images associated with a
casino gaming application executed by a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a casino gaming system may be
configured to allow the user to play a game that includes rolling
one or more dice 810. For example, a craps game may display a pair
of dice 810 on a display. The user can select the dice 810 by
touching the touch screen and holding his finger against the
touchscreen over the dice. The user may then shake the dice 810 by
moving the finger back and forth while maintaining contact with the
touchscreen. A computer executing the gaming application receives
an input signal from the touchscreen indicating that the user's
contact with the screen is changing. The computer determines that
the user is shaking the dice, and generates an actuator signal
associated with the user's action.
In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, a user
rolls a pair of dice by touching an image of the dice 810 with a
finger, dragging 820 across the screen, and lifting from the touch
screen 800. The system may output a steadily increasing low
frequency vibration while the use drags the dice 810 across the
touch screen 800, and a pop when the system detects the force of
contact with the touch screen 800 is below a threshold, which may
indicate that the user is removing the finger from the touch screen
800. In a further embodiment, the touch screen 800 may display the
dice 810 on the screen within a box or other bounded region. The
user may move the dice within the box to "shake" them, and drag
them out of the box to roll them. The system may output a vibration
while the user is shaking the dice 810, and a different vibration
when rolling the dice 810.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for casino
gaming haptics may generate haptic effects to be output during the
shaking action. For example, a short duration high-magnitude haptic
effect may be played each time there is a direction change of the
finger. The sensation produced may be similar to the feel of real
dice being shaken in a closed hand or in a cup. In addition, a
continuous vibration may be played while the user is shaking the
dice to simulate the dice rattling while being shaken. Further, the
magnitude and/or the vibration may increase or decrease based at
least in part on the speed at which the user shakes the dice. Such
a sensation may provide a tactile indication that the user is
interacting with the dice. When the user is ready to "throw" the
dice, the user may release the dice by lifting his from the touch
screen, or the user may move the dice out of a graphical region
displayed on the screen. In another embodiment, the user may throw
the dice by moving the dice out of a bounded area on the screen.
The system may generate a different haptic effect for this throwing
motion. For example, the system may generate a pop as the user
throws the dice to provide a tactile response to the user. As the
dice tumble to a stop, the system may output haptic effects to
simulate the dice bouncing on a surface, such as a high magnitude,
high frequency haptic effect for each bounce.
Virtual Roulette
FIG. 9 shows a simulated screenshot of images associated with a
casino gaming application executed by a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a casino gaming system may be
configured to allow the user to play roulette. To play such a game,
a user may spin the roulette wheel 930, which may require the user
to touch a finger on the touch screen 900 and drag 920 across the
screen. The gaming system may provide a low-magnitude vibration
when the user touches the screen, and increase the vibration as the
roulette wheel 930 increases in speed. Finally, the user may
perceive a pop or jolt, which may signify that the roulette ball
has been released in to the wheel. Further, if the user maintains
contact with the screen, the system may output additional pops each
time the roulette ball bounces before settling on a number.
Additional effects may be played as well.
For example, the user may allocate virtual casino chips 910 to the
betting area for the roulette game. In such an embodiment, a user
may make a betting selection by selecting a bet within the betting
area 931. The user may then be provided with a slider 911 to select
the number of chips to bet. As the user slides a finger along the
slider, the user may feel a low magnitude, low frequency pulse for
every 10 chips to be bet, for example. Other haptic effects may be
incorporated into such a game, such as pressing an on-screen rocker
switch may start an increasing or decreasing vibration
corresponding to speed, magnitude, or some other parameter of the
roulette wheel. Throwing an onscreen switch to activate the
roulette ball may supply a pop feeling.
Playing a Virtual Slot Machine
FIG. 10 shows a simulated screenshot of images associated with a
casino gaming application executed by a system for casino gaming
haptics according to one embodiment of the present invention. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a casino gaming system is
configured to allow the user to play a virtual slot machine. The
user may be able to select a number of credits to wager, by
pressing a button. The gaming system may provide haptic effects as
the user presses the buttons. For example, the gaming system may
generate a pop when the user presses a button to provide feedback
that the button was pressed. The user may then be able to pull a
virtual lever 1020 to begin the spinning of the virtual slot wheels
1030a-e. The gaming system may generate a low magnitude vibration
when the lever 1020 has only been displaced a short distance, with
the effect strengthening as the lever 1020 is displaced further.
For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
vibration may change frequency and/or vibration based on the
displacement of the lever. When the user slides his finger off of
the lever 1020 to activate the virtual slot wheels 1030a-e, a pop
may be played to indicate the lever 1020 has been released.
Additionally, a vibration may be output while the virtual slot
wheels 1030a-e are spinning, with a high magnitude, high frequency
effect being output when a virtual wheel 1030a-e comes to rest and
an icon is displayed. A further haptic effect or haptic effects may
be output when if the user wins credits based on the combination of
icons presented by the virtual wheels 1030.
Trivia and Brain-Teaser Games
FIG. 11 shows a game according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a user is presented
with a trivia question and four potential answers to the trivia
question. To play the game, a user may bet one or more chips prior
to seeing a trivia question, and win chips by correctly answering
the question. In such an embodiment, a user may receive haptic
feedback in response to answering a question. For example, in one
embodiment of the present invention, a system for casino gaming
haptics may output a high-magnitude, low-magnitude effect to
indicate a wrong answer. In one embodiment, a system for casino
gaming haptics may output a high-magnitude, high frequency effect
to indicate a correct answer.
FIG. 12 shows a game according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a user is presented
with two nearly-identical images. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the user attempts to locate the differences between the
two images within a period of time. The user may bet chips
according to the number of differences the user believes he can
find between the two pictures, or the amount of time it will take
to find the differences. The user may then touch a touch screen to
indicate where a believed difference is located. In one embodiment
of the present invention, a system for casino gaming haptics may
output a pop effect to indicate that the user has correctly
identified a difference between the two images. In one embodiment
of the present invention, a system for casino gaming haptics may
output two pops to indicate a wrong selection.
FIG. 13 shows a game according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a user is presented
with a matrix of letters, and a list of words that can be found
within the matrix. A user may drag a finger along a series of
contiguous letters to identify words within the matrix. A system
for casino gaming haptics according to one embodiment of the
present invention may output haptic effects as the user identifies
a word within the matrix. For example, in one embodiment of the
present invention, a system may output a low magnitude pop for each
letter the user drags a finger across. When the user has correctly
identified a word, the system may output a different effect, such
as a high-magnitude, low-frequency effect. If the user does not
correctly identify a word, the system may output a different
effect, such as a high-magnitude, high-frequency effect.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a game may require that
a user find one or more invisible objects hidden on the screen. In
such an embodiment, a user may contact a touch screen and drag a
finger to locate the object. When the user has contacted the
object, the system may output a haptic effect to indicate that the
user has found the object. Further, the system may output different
effects for different hidden objects. For example, a user may
attempt to find a hidden star among several hidden objects. The
system may output a different haptic effect when the user has
contacted the star than for other hidden objects.
FIG. 14 shows a game according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a user is presented
with a game card that includes a plurality of scratch-off areas
displayed on a touch screen. A user may rub their finger on the
touch screen on an area corresponding to a scratch-off area to
expose an image. While a user is rubbing their finger to scratch
off an area, the system may output a vibration to indicate that the
user is scratching an area. The system may then output a pop to
indicate that the are has been substantially completely
uncovered.
General
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a more enjoyable
casino gaming experience. Certain embodiments of the present
invention may, for example, provide enhanced game-play enjoyment
through tactile feedback. By providing haptic effects, it may be
possible to provide an experience in which the user feels as though
he is touching a gaming implement, such as a playing card, rather
than an input device, such as a touch screen. Haptic effects may
allow a user to move a finger across a touch screen and feel a
playing card shown on the screen, or feel the rattle of dice being
shaken. Such tactile sensations may provide a richer, more
immersive experience for a player of an electronic casino game.
The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has
been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description
and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to
the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications and adaptations
thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *
References